§ 40.065 Rule 201(b). Kinds of facts

Judges can accept certain facts as true without making either side prove them in court. But this only works for facts that nobody could reasonably argue about.

There are two ways a fact can qualify. First, it can be something that's common knowledge in the area where the court is located, like knowing that a certain street runs through downtown or that a particular season brings snow. Second, it can be a fact that anyone could easily check and confirm using a reliable source, like looking up a date on a calendar or checking an official record.

The point of this rule is to save time in court. If a fact is obvious or easy to verify beyond question, there's no need to bring in witnesses or evidence to prove it. The judge can just recognize it as fact and move the case forward.